The MX-5 Miata of the Monthfrom

December
2002

Bill Foster

Congratulations to Bill Foster on the selection
of his Miata (number 424) as our December Miata of the Month!

Like
many Miata owners I really enjoy daily driving my Emerald Green 99 that was
recently acquired. But now I want MORE of a good thing! Read on….

Talk about a good time, the SCCA
Autocross on Sunday evening at Texas Station Casino in Las Vegas, NV is just
about as much fun one can have in their Miata, (even with your clothes OFF!)
6 weeks ago, being a new Miata owner, I heard from Judy, fellow MOOV (Miata
Owners Of Vegas) member, about the Autocross event. The web site www.lvrscca.org
has a terrific explanation about how it works and how to participate. With the
encouragement of Linda (my wife), and the security in knowledge of how it works
from the website I visited the races one evening in June.

It
did not take long to notice the range of different people that were participating.
Young bucks with the hopped up "hotrods", to older more refined gentlemen with
their stock Miatas. You know the type, years ago they would have worn hats and
driven Desotos! But I regress…. The point is, that there were many people having
FUN driving in a competitive event, safely. After watching I decided right then
that I would at least try it at the following session in two weeks.

After polishing the Miata (have to
look good), airing up the tires (a tip from the internet site) and a couple
of chairs and a cooler we were on our way to Texas Station. Arriving at 5 PM,
we had the opportunity to chalk the cones and get to know the track set up intimately!
I still had no idea why I would want to know it so well, but I am learning.
A quick inspection of the car assured it was race ready (nothing loose to fly
around in the trunk or car, battery secure, wheels and tires in good shape).
Then the wait until the drivers meeting at 6:45.

First
time out on the track the safety/education regional director, Allon, rode with
me to give some pointers and help assure that I was comfortable with the situation.
His explanation of his shouts of orders to turn coming before the seemingly
best times to turn or brake were soon understood. By the time the mind reacts
you are already past the opportune time to maneuver! Very much like doing the
twisties on my motorcycle, the key is to drive ahead of where you are. Looking
through the turn makes all the difference in the world. A couple of runs with
Allon, I was ready to try it alone.

The night came to a quick end. Seven
runs through the timers, excitement, adrenaline, and heart pumping energy exploding
from within. Physically draining concentration, personal satisfaction, personal
accomplishment, personal reward all part of the SCCA Autocross and my new Miata.

I went back two weeks later and did
it again and plan on going back to each event, just for the rush…